If I have the ability to travel through time, I would go back and marry my husband all over again! However, I can’t help but recall how overwhelming it was to change my name. Nonetheless, now that I know better, I at least have a checklist to carry with me for guidance! And so, as someone who’s gone through the post-wedding name change process, allow us to guide you through the necessary steps you need to make to formally become a Mrs.!

1. Marriage Certificate

Your marriage certificate will be the first thing you need to acquire before you can move forward with the next steps. To get it, you will need to submit your signed certificate to the county office and wait for the official copy by mail.

2. Social Security Card and IRS

Your next step would be to update your social security card. You will first need to complete the SS-5 form which you can download here. After that, all you need to do is to head over to your local SSA office with the necessary paperworks. This usually consists of any proof of identity, your marriage certificate, and/or court order.

3. Driver’s License

Before we continue, note that your state may have different requirements with regards to updating your I.D. Be sure to always check with your local offices before anything! With that said, for us Floridians, our local DMV requires us to update our driver’s license within 30 days of the name change. The required documents are as follows:

• Primary identification (U.S. birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, etc.)
• Updated social security card
• Any proof of residential address
• Marriage certificate

Passport

For passport holders, the requirements for updating your name may vary. You may check their guidelines for accuracy. Once you have confirmed all the necessary requirements, you may then proceed to mail them to the address specified in the mailing instructions found in the form!

• DS-5504 form
• Most recent U.S. passport
• Marriage certificate
• passport photo

Bank Accounts, Credit/Debit Cards, & Investment Accounts

Most of the time, your bank will ask you to complete a form and provide supporting documents on your name change. Be sure to contact your bank first and prepare the documents listed below, along with any additional requirements.

• Marriage certificate
• An updated government-issued I.D.

Mortgage/Lease

Call your mortgage company and ask about the steps you need to take to update your information. In most cases, however, the documents listed below are usually the requirements that you will be asked to prepare.

• Copy of updated social security card, driver’s license, or passport
• Copy of your marriage certificate

Utilities

Call your authorized company and notify them about your name change. You will then be asked to head over to their office with the necessary documents (listed below). There might also be some fees involved so be prepared by asking beforehand!

• Consumer number
• Your last bill (original and a copy)
• Proof of ownership
• Marriage certificate
• Updated I.D.

Insurance

Ask your insurance company about updating your name or beneficiaries. Usually, you will simply be asked to fill a form and present copies of supporting documents.

• Copy of marriage certificate
• Updated proof of identity
• Required form

Job Information

You may ask your HR office for assistance in updating your information but generally, you will be asked to complete the W-2 form or any other forms about benefits, insurance, and more.

• Updated social security card
• W-2 form (W-4 for employers)
• Other forms concerning benefits

Cable/Internet/Phone

This is usually a fairly easy step, but to be safe, reach out to your local providers’ customer service channels. Most cable, internet, and phone companies will ask for the information below:

• Your billing address
• email address
• phone number
• credit/debit card ZIP code

Car Title

Once you have updated your driver’s license at your local DMV, your car title will automatically be updated. However, this is only exclusive to electronic copies. If you wish to have an updated printed version, you will need to submit a completed application for certificate of title with/without registration form.

Voter’s Information

To revise your voter’s information, you may have the option to submit an online form or print and mail the form to your county supervisor. Either way, you will need your driver’s license or state I.D. card number, or social security number.

Wow that was a lot to process… LITERALLY! But it’s all going to be worth it. After all, you will be carrying that name proudly for a lifetime! For a downloadable-easy-to-follow-checklist, you may check this pin below!